Honolulu has two hula festivals in June and July: the
King Kamehameha Hula & Chant Competition and the Prince Lot Hula festival.
In August, the Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival and Ka Himeni Ana -
an old-style Hawaiian singing contest - celebrate Hawaiian contributions
to the world of music. Sports nuts get an eyeful with the Bankoh Kayak
Challenge in May, the Transpacific Yacht Race in July, and major women's
and men's outrigger canoe races in September and October, respectively.
The Honolulu Marathon is run in mid-December, and the Aloha Bowl, a nationally
televised collegiate football game, takes place on Christmas Day.

With its multitude of cultures and permanently good weather, Hawaii always
has something to celebrate. Some of the events to look out for include
Hawaii's biggest hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival (April);
Lei Day, an extravaganza of lei-making (May); King Kamehameha Day, a state
holiday with parades (June); Aloha Week , a celebration with parades,
cultural events, canoe races and Hawaiian music, (September); and the
Quicksilver/Eddie Aikau Memorial Big Wave Classic, a surf event held when
wave heights exceed 6m/20ft, (December).

Several big surf-related blowouts take place every year, drawing the
world's top wave riders to beaches across the island. Exact dates depend
on when and where the surf's up.

January
PGA MasterCard Championship Golf Tournament
Watch the pros play in this 18 hole, par 72 golf course designed by Jack
Nicklaus. Last year's purse was $1.5 million. Located at the Hualalai
Resort Golf Club, Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. Call (800) 417-2770 for more
information.
Annual Stan Cann Classic
The Hawaii Island Paddlesports Association hosts this annual OC - 1/surfski
canoe race at Hilo Bay. This is a great race for novice paddlers. The
courses run from the bayfront to outside the breakwater. Call (808) 969-6695
for information.
Hula Kahiko Series
Come out and watch the Hula Halau as they present artistic and cultural
dances that have been handed down through generations. These free outdoor
presentations are held in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located
on the Big Island of Hawai'i, on Highway 11, approximately 30 miles south
of Hilo. Call (808) 985-6000 for information.

February
Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival
Join the fun in this celebration of the Chinese New Year. Food, arts and
crafts, entertainment, kids activities and lion dances will keep you going.
Located in Kalakaua Park. Call (808) 933-9772 for more information.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Enjoy arts and crafts, parades, food, Taiko drums, bon dancing, karaoke,
hula cherry blossom art and much more in this annual festival honoring
the janpanese culture. Located in Waimea. Call (808) 961-8706 for more
information.
Waimea Town Celebration
Celebrates Captain Cook's arrival with two days of sporting events, from
canoe racing to a marathon. Carnival fun includes Hawaiian food, lei-making
and ukulele contests. Call (808) 335-2824 or (808) 338-9975 for more information.

March
Annaul Tahiti Fête of Hilo
Come out and watch the finest in Tahitian dancing. At least 20 Polynesian
dance companies (halau) are expected along with 250 solo dancers from
various dance companies. Arts and crafts and food from Tahitian and local
artisans will be available. Polynesian island guest performers will highlight
this event. Located at at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. Admission
is $12 a day or $25 for the Weekend Pass. Call (808) 935-3002 for more
information.
Kona Brewers Festival
The first Saturday in March brings opportunity to sample the best of local
beer at a festival including live music, fire dancing, fashion, food,
and an award ceremony for best home brew. Located at the Kona Beach Hotel,
Palani Road. Call (808) 326-1126 for more information.
Annual Stampede Rodeo
Hawaii’s ranchers, known as paniolos, started their annual rodeo
on the Big Island more than 35 years ago. Admission is free for the two-day,
action-packed event. Located at Route 160 & Hale O Keawe Road. Call
(808) 323-2388 for more information.

April
The Annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Enjoy a festival of cultural events beginning with a Ho`olaule'a, music,
food and fun. Also included in this week-long festival is a free hula
exhibition night, ancient and modern hula competitions and a parade through
Hilo. Call (808) 935-9168 for more information.
Celebration of the Arts
Held in the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, this festival features artistic works,
workshops, and other entertainment. Admission is free. Located at One
Ritz-Carlton Drive. Call (808) 669-6200 for more information.
Earth Day Ho’olauea & Luau
Earth Awareness Week brings ecology focus, live music, food stands and
cultural displays. Admission is free. Located at Vidinha Stadium, on Queen
Kapule Road. Call (808) 828-0297 for more information.

May
Keauhou Kona Triathlon
This annual triathlon is a half ironman distance race held on the Kona
Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It includes a 1.2 mile swim in Kailua
Bay, a 56 mile bike starting at Kailua Pier and going up Kuakini Highway
to Queen Kaahumanu Highway and a 13.1 mile run from the Ohana Keauhou
Beach Resort along Alii Drive and back. Call (808) 329-0601 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii culture, highlights include
a Lantern Parade, craft and food festival, and a Japanese tea ceremony
at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Admission is free. Events over
four months end in August. Located in Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177
for more information.
Orchid Show
This annual Mother's Day Orchid Show and Sale is hosted by the Kona Orchid
Society. Educational sessions are scheduled. Located at Hale Halawai on
Alii Drive. Free to the public. Call (808) 322-8817 for more information.

June
King Kamehameha Day Celebration Floral Parade
Come out and celebrate this annual event. Colorful floral floats, glamorous
Pa`u riders, marching bands along with free entertainment, crafts, and
food. Call (808) 989-8282 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include
a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, contests, and a
Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Admission
is free. Events end in August. Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for
more information.
Annual Waiki’I Music Festival
For two days, the Waiki'i Ranch hosts visitors from all over as Hawaii's
best performers showcase talents. Artists set up booths, and local food
is plentiful at concessions. The event benefits North Hawaii Community
Hospital and North Hawaii Hospice. Saddle Road. Call (808) 883-2077 for
more information.

July
Concert in the Sky
Thousands head to Vidinha Stadium to celebrate the Fourth of July. Top
restaurants provide food, Hawaiian celebrities entertain, and events throughout
the day are capped by a fireworks finale. Proceeds benefit hospice. Queen
Kapule Road. Call (808) 634-9100 for more information.
Parker Ranch Fourth of July Rodeo
Parker Ranch, Hawaii’s largest working ranch near the town of Waimea
(Kamuela), hosts paniolos in roping and riding competition. Horse races,
food and entertainment add to the fun. 66-1304 Mamalahoa Highway. Call
(808) 885-2303 for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include
a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, contests, and a
Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Admission
is free. Events end in August. Downtown Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for
more information.
World Billfish Challenge
Held over two weeks in July, for three tournament divisions: Light Tackle,
Heavy Tackle and Total Release. Billfish events promote conservation through
"tag and release" programs. Kailua Pier. Call (866) 922-4294
for more information.

August
Puukohola Heiau Cultural Festival, Kawaihae
Join in the celebration of King Kamehameha's temple. Festivities include
hula, lei making and other traditional demonstrations. Call (808) 882-7218
for more information.
Annual International Festival of the Pacific
Celebrating Japanese influences on Hawaii's culture, highlights include
a Lantern Parade, food festival, craft demonstrations, and a Japanese
tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. Free admission. Downtown
Hilo. Call (808) 934-0177 for more information.
Ka Hoolaa O Na Alii
Join others at Halemaumau Crater, the home of the goddess of volcanes,
for The Aloha Festivals Royal Court Investiture. In this ceremony, the
royal monarchs will be adorned with symbols of royalty to the sounds of
ceremonial chant and hula honoring Hawaii's noble heritage. Call (808)
885-7786 for more information.

September
Historic Waimea Walking Tour
The West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center showcases what the island
was like before civilization. Tours focus on West Kauai's colorful past
including impact of Captain Cook's historic landing. Free admission. 9565
Kaumuali'i Highway. Call (808) 338-1332 for more information.
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
Honor Hawaii's oldest ranching community by joining in the festivites
which include floats, marching bands, and Pau Riders. Call (808) 885-7786
for more information.
Aloha Festivals Hilo Hoolaulea
Join more than 10,000 people at the Aloha Festivals block party celebration.
The festivities include dancing, entertainment, ethic foods and Hawaiian
arts and crafts. Call (808) 935-5461 for more information.

October
Aloha Festival Kauai
The Aloha Festival comes to Kaua'i before wrapping up in Maui. Festivities
include a parade and street fair. Hawaii's largest festival, more than
50 years old, has a different theme each year. Free admission. Call (808)
589-1771 for more information.
Hana Fishing Tournament
The boat fishing begins at 5 am and the shoreline fishing begins at 7
am. The Hana Play Day, for the kids, starts at 11 am and includes various
games and kayaking. The adult Play Day starts at 1pm and includes coconut
husking and net throwing. Call (808) 248-7758 for more information.
Hana Lei and Floral Show
Enjoy the colorful blossoms of the local flowers and learn how to make
them grow at this annual floral show. Call (808) 248-7002 for more information.

November
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is Hawaii’s oldest food
festival, bringing locals together while attracting hundreds of visitors
to celebrate Kona’s famous harvest at more than 30 community events.
Call (808) 326-7820 for more information.
Waimea Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar institute
A Friday night concert begins an intensely musical weekend at the Kahilu
Theatre with workshops, master classes, kanikapila and lecture demonstrations
led by featured artists. Beginners are welcome to immerse in Hawaiian
music. Call (808) 885-6017 for more information.
King of the Hawaiian Islands Boxing Grand Championships
Check out several contenders at this annual boxing event. Tickets required
for admission. Call (808) 322-0664 for more information.

December
Aloha Festival Hawaii
After starting elsewhere in late August, Hawaii's biggest festival comes
to the Big Island at the end of September. Activities include a parade
and hula exhibition, and this giant street party unfolds at various locales,
attracting crowds with free entertainment. Multiple Big Island locations.
Call (808) 589-1770 for more information.
Peaman’s Post Pig-Out Plunge Biathlon
The Peaman Biathlon series takes participants ready for the challenge
on a 1.3-mile swim from the pier at the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona.
Held on Sunday after Thanksgiving, the timed event has no entry fee and
no awards. Alii Drive and Palani Road. Call (808) 324-7327 for more information.
Traditional Mochi Pounding For New Year
Join in this traditional Japanese practice of mochitsuki, where a sweet
paste is prepared and eaten for a sweet new year. Activities to celebrate
throughout the day. Call (808) 963-6422 or more information.

Public Holidays
25 Dec - Christmas Day
4th Thurs in Nov - Thanksgiving
11 Nov - Veteran's Day
2nd Mon in Oct - Colombus Day
first Mon in Sep - Labor Day
4 Jul - Independence Day
last Mon in May - Memorial Day
3rd Mon in Feb - President's Day
3rd Mon in Jan - Martin Luther King Jnr day
1 Jan - New Year's Day

When to Go

Honolulu is a great place to visit any time of year. Although Hawaii's
busiest tourist season is during winter (December to February), this has
more to do with the weather elsewhere, since many visitors are snowbirds
escaping cold winters back home. Average temperatures differ very little
from winter to summer. June through October is the hottest period, while
rainfall is heaviest between December and March - neither extreme is worth
worrying over. Daily temperatures in Honolulu average a high of 84°F
(29°C) and a low of 70°F (22°C). Hotel prices are lowest between
April and mid-December.

If you're a surfer, you won't want to miss the Christmas-time action
around Oahu's North Shore, but if windsurfing or diving is more your thing,
you'll find the waters at their calmest at the height of summer (July
and August).